The Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), Sylvester Nwakuche, on Friday warned that officers who neglect their duties would face strict sanctions.

Mr Nwakuche gave the warning at the decoration ceremony of the 30 newly promoted Assistant Controllers-General of Corrections (ACGs) in Abuja.

The NCoS boss expressed disappointment over what he described as the “lackadaisical attitude” of some personnel, which he said led to recent security breaches in custodial centres.

He stated, “It is obvious that our zonal coordinators, state controllers and officers-in-charge custodial centres have abdicated their duties. This is unacceptable and will no longer be tolerated. Any further abdication of responsibilities will surely attract the big stick.’’

Mr Nwakuche, however, charged the newly promoted ACGs to take full control of their respective zones, states and custodial centres, stressing that leadership at their level was about service, not titles.

He said that the elevation of the officers was not merely a change of insignia but formal recognition of years of diligence, sacrifice and unyielding commitment to duty.

Describing the rank as the zenith of career progression, he said ACGs were not only managers but strategic leaders whose influence shaped the policies and future direction of the service.

Quoting leadership expert John C. Maxwell, he reminded them that “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.”

He urged them to embody the ideals of the NCoS Act 2019, which promoted a shift from punitive imprisonment to correctional and rehabilitative approaches.

This, he emphasised, was rooted in the belief that every offender was redeemable.

He reaffirmed the service’s vision to be a credible correctional service that secures, reforms, rehabilitates and re-integrates offenders back into the society.

The CG reiterated the service mission to provide excellent custodial and non-custodial services for the provision and promotion of public protection in accordance with global best practices.

Mr Nwakuche also commended President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the service, and Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his advocacy on staff welfare, institutional reforms and infrastructural improvement.

He thanked the families of the newly promoted officers for their sacrifices, describing them as the “silent strength” behind the success of the officers.

He stated, “As we pin these new ranks on your shoulders, let them not be seen as ornaments, but as symbols of trust, accountability, and higher responsibility. We pray for wisdom, courage, strength and grace for the officers to succeed in their new roles. Our nation is watching. The next generation of officers is watching. And history itself will judge how well we lead.’’

Speaking on behalf for the newly promoted senior officers, ACG Sylvanus Yakubu pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them through dedicated service to the nation.

Mr Yakubu described CG, as a “game changer” whose leadership brought joy to the officers.

He stated, “We appreciate the game changer for allowing God to use him and for putting smiles on our faces. The God that uses you to put a smile on our faces will continue to bless you.’’

Mr Yakubu assured the CG that the promotion would serve as motivation for greater service, adding that for the officers, elevation meant more work and responsibility to the country.

He said, “We promise, we will not disappoint you.’’

(NAN)